Is the Job Market in Singapore Unfair to Those Over 40?
A recent post on r/askSingapore has sparked debate on whether the job market is particularly harsh for those over 40, with many expressing concerns about employability at that age. The original poster observed that several people in their 40s have turned to driving Grab or taxis, questioning if recruiters are skipping this age group altogether.
Responses from the community were mixed but largely agreed that job hunting after 40 is challenging unless one is in upper management or a niche role.
"The job market is always bad for 40+ yos. You just didn’t know it until you became 40+." – u/DuePomegranate
Many pointed out that the corporate ladder is structured like a pyramid, meaning fewer high-paying roles are available at the top. Those who do not climb the ranks early may find themselves squeezed out by younger candidates willing to work for less.
"If you are 40+ and not in a high rank, that means you have maxed out your potential already. Better to hire a 30+ yo with lower expected salary who could possibly have the potential to go higher." – u/DuePomegranate
Some users noted that older employees with strong industry connections or specialized skills still have opportunities, though they may be harder to find.
"One of our BU heads is over 70. Yes, he is a dinosaur, but he has experience and a client base that brings in millions. The company will gladly pay his salary as long as he keeps working." – u/rainprayer
However, those in non-leadership roles face different challenges. Several people highlighted that companies prefer internal promotions over hiring 40+ candidates externally, making re-entering the workforce difficult.
"It’s hard to get back in at the same level you were before, because there are internal candidates to promote vs taking in a retrenchee." – u/DuePomegranate
The discussion also touched on how younger employees are often perceived as more willing to put in extra hours, which could be a disadvantage for older candidates.
"Can the 40+ OT as much as a freshie Gen Z?" – u/Cute_Meringue1331
That said, not all agreed that younger employees are necessarily harder working.
"Gen Z is more 'woke' than previous generations. They won’t OT blindly for too long. They also tend to have more papa mama money and are more financially secure." – u/t3apot
Another recurring point was the importance of networking in securing roles after 40.
"If you don’t have a strong network, job hunting at 40+ becomes very painful." – u/worldcitizensg
Some industries appear to be more open to older hires than others. Logistics and freight forwarding were mentioned as fields where experience is still valued.
"I found three roles since turning 40. Having a good network helped. My Singapore team is all above 40 and was hired in the last 2–3 years." – u/Grimm_SG
Government jobs were also cited as a stable option, though they come with slower salary progression.
"Or just work in a govt job." – u/Cute_Meringue1331
Others took a more cynical view, advising younger professionals to save aggressively to avoid being caught in a job market that may not be kind to them later.
"All those in their 20s and 30s: save every dollar you can and don’t have kids. The goal is enough money by 40 to last until retirement." – u/Anon_168
The broader economic climate also plays a role, with global uncertainty affecting hiring across all age groups. Some users pointed out that even younger professionals are struggling to find stable roles, with many jobs now being contract-based with no guarantee of renewal.
"The job market is just bad! Even those my age and younger are not having much luck! Mostly contract roles with no confirmation on renewal." – u/Winter_Ad_7669
At the heart of the discussion is a stark reality: for those over 40, finding a corporate job in Singapore is an uphill battle. Without strong connections, niche expertise, or a willingness to take a pay cut, career progression can stall. While some industries still value experience, job security remains uncertain for many, regardless of age.
